Health Economics Outcomes Research, often called HEOR, plays a crucial role in shaping policies and practices that help more people get the care they need. From guiding insurance decisions to supporting hospitals, health economics outcomes research makes influential contributions at every step of the health system. The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth has invested in building real-world evidence throuh HEOR to help ensure healthcare resources stretch further and make life better for patients from all walks of life.
What is Health Economics Outcomes Research?
HEOR is the study of costs, treatments, and patient health outcomes. Instead of looking at medicine in isolation, it takes into account both the cost-effectiveness and the value a medical intervention brings. This means considering both the price paid and the health benefits gained. HEOR researchers ask practical questions like:
- Is this new medication for diabetes worth the price compared to what’s already on the market?
- How do new surgical devices help patients recover, and do they reduce long-term costs for hospitals and families?
By looking at these questions, HEOR shapes the conversation about which services and treatments get prioritized by health systems and insurers.
Real-World Impact on Access
When we talk about access to healthcare, we’re talking about making sure all individuals can get needed care, no matter their background or financial situation. HEOR is central to this mission:
Setting Fair Drug Prices
Rising drug costs have left many patients struggling to afford necessary prescriptions. HEOR projects led by places like The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth use patient outcomes, not just clinical trial data, to compare the value different drugs offer. These insights guide insurance plans and hospitals as they negotiate for better prices, working to keep more treatments within reach for more people.
Improving Health Policies
Public health programs and private insurers rely on HEOR to understand what actually works in real life, not just what works in theory. For example, research may show that funding vaccinations saves more healthcare dollars in the long run by preventing costly illnesses. Policymakers use this evidence to shape benefits, coverage, and programs for clinics and communities.
Supporting Hospitals and Providers
Hospitals must choose which technologies and medicines to offer. HEOR research helps them pick options that provide meaningful benefits for patients and are sustainable for the budget. The ultimate goal? Smarter spending that leads to real health gains.
Promoting Patient-First Care
HEOR approaches healthcare from a patient-centered viewpoint. When researchers study how treatment affects a patient’s day-to-day life—not just the clinical lab numbers—they can recommend options that match what matters most to real patients. This can range from fewer side effects to shorter recovery times, or more manageable treatment routines.
Patients receiving care grounded in HEOR findings often have better experiences, since treatments are chosen based on actual improvements in quality of life, rather than just cost or initial medical results.
Moving Forward with Greater Health
The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth and other research organizations continue to expand the use of masters in health research to address gaps in care access. By asking, “What works? For whom? And at what cost?” the field helps healthcare providers and payers support those most in need.
The evidence is clear: When decisions are based on both outcomes and costs, healthcare systems are better equipped to allocate resources, reduce unnecessary spending, and reach more patients.